Vadodara | New Zealand Tour of India 2026
India began their ODI series against New Zealand on a winning note, securing a 4-wicket victory in the first match at Vadodara. The contest lived up to expectations, delivering a high-scoring encounter and a tense finish that kept fans engaged until the final over.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive 300/8, built on solid middle-order partnerships. Their innings was anchored by composed knocks from senior batters, while India’s bowlers managed to contain the run flow in the final overs to prevent a bigger total.
In response, India’s chase was led by a calm and assured innings from Virat Kohli, who once again showed his class under pressure. Shubman Gill provided a fluent start, setting the tempo early, while the middle order ensured India stayed on course despite a few quick wickets.
The match went down to the wire, but KL Rahul’s composed finishing proved decisive as India crossed the target with six balls remaining. The victory gives the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Key Highlights
- India successfully chased a 300-plus target in a pressure situation
- Virat Kohli played a match-defining knock, narrowly missing a century
- New Zealand showed resilience with the bat, pushing the game deep
- India take early momentum in the ODI series
The second ODI will now be crucial for New Zealand as they look to bounce back and level the series, while India will aim to build on their winning start.
FAQs – India vs New Zealand 1st ODI, 2026
Who won the 1st ODI between India and New Zealand?
India won the match by 4 wickets.
Where was the 1st ODI played?
The match was played in Vadodara.
Who was the standout performer for India?
Virat Kohli was the standout batter, playing a key role in the successful chase.
How many matches are there in the ODI series?
The ODI series consists of three matches.
Disclaimer
This article is an independently written summary for informational purposes only. Match details, performances, and outcomes are based on publicly available match updates. NZ Indian Insights does not claim ownership of official scorecards, images, or broadcast content.
